The roof is an integral part of any building. No matter how much you try to avoid it, even the strongest, best-maintained roof will need replacement at some point. However, building owners are often not aware of factors other than material and age that can affect a roofs’ lifespan.

To fulfill the life expectancy of your roof, you must be aware of the factors that affect its lifespan. Fortunately, you can control some of these factors.

Aside from your roof’s material, below are some factors that affect a roof’s life.

1. Installation

The quality of installation work on your roof may dictate the lifespan of your roof. Installation errors are most times the cause of premature roof failure. If not installed right, your roof may end up deteriorating faster, necessitating premature repair or replacement, even with the best roofing material.

Therefore, make sure you choose a licensed and experienced roofing contractor to get the best service possible. To give you peace of mind, Blue Tower Construction offers warranty for any work done on your roof. If necessary, a professional contractor from our team will return to fix any genuine installation errors.

2. Slope

Also called roof pitch or angle, roof slope describes the steepness of its incline. Slope affects the longevity of a roof by causing damage to your roof. The slope and design of your roof change the way the roof handles water.

Flat, low roofs do not easily get rid of water, so they encourage water pooling on the roof. Water pools cause roofing materials to lose strength, leading to leaks, warranting premature roof replacement or repair.

A roof ventilation system can go a long way in protecting against moisture, but the roof pitch lets gravity do most of the work for you. If you have a flat roof, be especially careful about investing in more robust roofing materials and have one or two roof inspections per year.

3. Maintenance

Without the proper care and attention, even the best roofing systems can fall short. Some roofs require little maintenance while others are high maintenance; however, they all need regular maintenance. Regular roof maintenance will ensure that the roof remains in perfect condition for many years.

Maintenance means regularly checking for signs of mold, water pooling, cleaning gutters, trimming branches, removing moss build-up, looking for damaged shingles, examining the metal frame for rust, removing debris, and more.

Little or no maintenance of the roof means it might not reach its intended life span. In addition, you may lose the validity of your roof’s warranty if you do not fulfill specific maintenance duties. Follow the guidelines required to ensure that the roof remains sturdy for an extended period.

4. Ventilation and Insulation

Always ensure that your attic has adequate insulation. Poor attic ventilation and insulation can cause the build-up of warm, moist air. Heat and moisture can rot your roof from the inside, therefore lowering its lifespan. Moisture build-up could also lead to mold and mildew growth that could destroy your roof.

Good ventilation and insulation allow heat and moisture to escape, therefore keeping your roof cool. Proper insulation and ventilation can help your roof gain extra years. Additionally, adequate insulation also reduces your energy bills.

Roof repairs and replacements do not come cheap, so you want to ensure you get the most out of the roof you have. By investing time in taking care of your roof and taking the above factors into account, you can expect a longer lifespan from your roof. Schedule regular roof inspections that will help detect roof problems early and stop further damage. To learn more about how to extend the life of your roof, contact us today!